Functional Neurology offers an alternative method of neurology management. Recent studies demonstrate its potential, providing individuals suffering from neurologic conditions a holistic and natural solution.<\/p>\n
Music therapy has been linked with improved cognitive functioning and can aid in alleviating symptoms associated with cerebral palsy (CP). Acupuncture has also been shown to be a protective intervention with increased activity seen in regions associated with cognition.<\/p>\n
Acupuncture, an ancient practice dating back 2,500 years, involves inserting needles at specific points on the body in order to treat health problems. Acupuncture may be combined with other therapies in order to maximize healing; its success relies on maintaining balance of vital energy – what practitioners refer to as “chi”. Acupuncture can reduce pain and improve mobility among people living with neurological disorders.<\/p>\n
Acupuncture has been practiced for over 2,500 years and now exists in more than 103 countries worldwide. Acupuncture is an alternative medicine with no side effects compared to pharmaceutical drugs; studies have actually demonstrated that it can decrease inflammation while stimulating neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine that regulate mood.<\/p>\n
Studies have also demonstrated the efficacy of acupuncture as a treatment for neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. Acupuncture is known to alleviate symptoms by blocking accumulations of toxic proteins, moderating metabolic activity and suppressing neuronal apoptosis; additionally it increases cerebral cortex activity which improves cognition.<\/p>\n
Ayurveda is an ancient alternative therapy<\/a> that can offer remarkable advantages to those suffering neurological conditions. Ayurvedic practices include massages, diet recommendations, oil treatments and herbal concoctions to provide pain relief from muscular or respiratory ailments as well as psychological disorders like anxiety or depression. Studies have also demonstrated the combination of Ayurveda with acupuncture can significantly enhance cognitive functions, such as image recognition and balance improvement.<\/p>\n The nervous system serves as the body’s primary regulatory and communication network, orchestrating crucial bodily processes like thought, memory and movement as well as our emotional and spiritual wellbeing. Neurological disorders may be debilitating; fortunately many conditions ranging from epilepsy and migraines to Parkinson’s and multiple sclerosis may be successfully treated using Ayurveda treatments.<\/p>\n Ayurved medicine understands most neurological conditions as being due to an imbalance of body’s natural energy. This imbalance is usually the result of excess vata, pitta or kapha; three vital energies that govern movement and communication processes. Treatment aims at reestablishing an equilibrium among these three energies while clearing away any blockages preventing our bodies from functioning normally.<\/p>\n Ayurved treatments for neurological disorders typically involve detoxification therapies like snehana and swedana to cleanse tissues and increase circulation, while marma therapy targets specific points on the body to speed healing while relieving tension.<\/p>\n Ayurved herbal medicines possess anti-inflammatory properties and may help improve brain blood flow, with several herbs offering compounds which cross the blood-brain barrier and enable healing of the mind itself. However, some Ayurvedic remedies contain heavy metals like lead or mercury that could potentially be dangerous if taken long term; it is recommended to consult an experienced Ayurvedic doctor for diagnosis and treatment purposes.<\/p>\n Yoga, which combines physical postures with breathing exercises and meditation, has long been associated with improved mental health. Yoga practice has been shown to reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression while improving balance, flexibility, concentration and immune system function. Even practicing for just 30 minutes each day could improve brain function if done with the correct techniques.<\/p>\n Yoga offers many health benefits related to its ability to reduce inflammation in the body. Regular practice can increase levels of essential neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin that reduce stress and depression; and increase levels of anti-inflammatory agents known as cytokines which protect nerves against damage caused by inflammation.<\/p>\n Studies have shown that those who regularly practice yoga tend to possess thicker cerebral cortical layers and hippocamps; areas of the brain responsible for memory and learning. Over time, these regions tend to diminish with age – however yoga appears to stop this from occurring and even help prevent dementia or Alzheimer’s.<\/p>\n Though most studies on the effects of yoga on cognitive functioning have used Kundalini yoga, other types of yoga may provide similar benefits. A study with postmenopausal women demonstrated how Kundalini yoga increased their memory recall and avoided atrophy of gray matter in their brains. Researchers are also investigating Hatha yoga which is more widely practiced and incorporates physical exercises with breathing techniques; both styles can benefit cognitive function with consistent practice over a prolonged period of time.<\/p>\n Meditation is an effective mental health practice that can help improve focus, relaxation and stress levels while increasing immunity levels and aiding with better sleeping patterns. Meditation can be safely integrated with other treatments like medications. Meditation has long been practiced spiritually across many religions.<\/p>\n Mindfulness meditation aims to bring focus back into the present moment and is often used to manage anxiety symptoms. By activating the parasympathetic nervous system and relieving stress hormones from your body, mindfulness meditation helps ease tension while relaxing and soothing it as a whole. Furthermore, mindfulness can also be used to increase cognitive function and memory performance.<\/p>\n Guided imagery meditation involves visualizing relaxing images to ease nerves. This form of mediation has also been shown to reduce anxiety and treat depression effectively, increasing gray matter density in certain brain areas that control emotions and memories.<\/p>\n Researchers have investigated the effects of meditation on brain functioning through functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). This type of scan takes pictures of the brain like traditional MRI. Researchers found that those who practice meditation regularly showed changes to the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis that controls stress responses such as the fight-or-flight response. It may have also contributed to changes in activity levels within amygdala region of their amygdalas which is responsible for emotion regulation in our amygdalae part of brain responsible for emotion regulation.<\/p>\n Meditation is an easy and safe complementary therapy that can help manage anxiety symptoms. Meditation also improves sleep quality, blood pressure, and heart function – it’s easy to incorporate into daily life and can significantly boost overall mental wellbeing and lower stress levels.<\/p>\n As a local chiropractor committed to whole health, I recommend my patients consume a diet rich in various vitamins and nutrients for optimal nerve functioning and decreased symptoms associated with neurological conditions.<\/p>\n Certain herbs have been demonstrated to be helpful in supporting cognitive health. Sage and turmeric possess anti-inflammatory properties which may aid memory by limiting oxidative stress; Ginkgo biloba has also been known to improve cognitive function while slowing age-related decline. However, no natural remedy should be used as a replacement for standard medical care when dealing with neurological conditions.<\/p>\n Aromatherapy has proven itself effective in creating an overall sense of well-being. By inhaling essential oils like lavender, lemon and bergamot it is possible to stimulate the olfactory nerve which activates neurons to release neurotransmitters that promote mood stability.<\/p>\n Integrating alternative therapies<\/a> into your wellness regimen can transform the experience of managing neurological conditions, whether acute or chronic. They can significantly enhance quality of life while increasing overall health. For assistance on how to incorporate alternative medicine into your life, please reach out to an INM Naturopathic Doctor in your area by searching INM’s Find an ND directory. INM Naturopathic Physicians specialize in nutrition, stress management and movement therapy to promote whole-person health as it pertains to nervous system health. These physicians can assist you with creating an individualized treatment plan to address your specific issues and effectively manage a neurological disorder. In addition, they offer complementary and alternative therapies<\/a> to meet your health goals. INM naturopathic physicians are licensed in all 50 states as well as DC.<\/p>\n Ayurveda<\/h2>\n
Yoga<\/h2>\n
Meditation<\/h2>\n
Herbal Remedies<\/h2>\n